fourth class

¹

noun

1. (in the U.S. Postal Service) the class of mail consisting of merchandise weighing one pound or more, including parcel post and all first-, second-, or third-class matter weighing 8 ounces (227 grams) or more and not sealed against inspection.

fourth-class

²

[ fawrth-klas, -klahs, fohrth- ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or designated as a class next below third, as for mailing, shipping, etc.

adverb

1. as fourth-class matter; by fourth-class mail:

   Send it fourth-class.

fourth-class

adjective

1. of or relating to mail that is carried at the lowest rate

adverb

1. by fourth-class mail

Word History and Origins

Origin of fourth class¹

An Americanism dating back to 1860–65

Origin of fourth class²

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

Not having heard what station he had booked for, I took a fourth-class ticket to Wittmund, which covered all chances.

From Project Gutenberg

The same day we were marched in a body to the railway depot and herded into a fourth-class car.

From Project Gutenberg

It was a snowy day, the train was full, and he was obliged to climb into a fourth-class place, a seat on the top of the cars.

From Project Gutenberg

They've just divided us fourth-class men up among the rest to do chores for them.

From Project Gutenberg

I suppose you understand, Jinks, that none of us upper-class men can afford to be seen talking to you fourth-class beasts?

From Project Gutenberg